The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, New Delhi is organizing Know India Programme (KIP) to be held in 2012-2013. The calendar of KIP is as follows:

The three-week orientation programme for diaspora youth conducted with a view to promote awareness on different facets of life in India and the progress made by India in various fields is open to Persons of India Origin (PIOs) worldwide, including from Indonesia between the age group of 18-26 years. The total number of participants worldwide for each programme is around 40. Non-Resident Indians are NOT eligible to apply for this programme.

Requirements     

• The candidate should be of Indian origin, between 18-26 years of age.
  
  
• The candidates should either be studying in the under-graduate level or should have completed under-graduation or equivalent.
  
  
• They should be well conversant in English.
  
  
• Once selected, a medical fitness certificate and a medical insurance are to be submitted.
  
  
• All applicants for the programme should write an essay in about 250 words on why they want to participate and what they expect to gain from the programme.
  
  
• Selected participants would be required to abide by the regulations of the Know India Programme as conveyed to them by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs or its agency nominated to conduct the Programme or through Indian Missions/Posts abroad. The participants are expected to cooperate and abide by the regulations of the Programme in order to ensure its smoothconduct.
  
  
• The prevailing weather conditions in places of visit in India to be communicated to the participants prior to the visit.

What to expect

a.  Presentations on the country, political process, developments in various sectors,
b.  Interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious University/College/Institute,
c.   Presentation on the industrial development and visits to some Industries,
d.  Visit to a village to better understand the typical village life,
e.  Exposure to Indian media,
f.   Interaction with NGOs and organizations dealing with women affairs,
g.  Visit to places of historical importance/Monuments,
h. Taking part in Cultural programmes,
i.   Exposure to yoga,
j.  Call on high dignitaries, which may include President of India, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and Ministers inchargeof Overseas Indian Affairs, Youth Affairs and Sports. The participants should be aware that the Programme would involve a brief stay in arural area where air-conditioned accommodation is often not available.

Ticket and Visa

Selected participants will be reimbursed 90% of the total cost of international airfare
as per the schedule of the Programme by the cheapest economy class on the successful completion of the programme. They would also be issued Gratis visa by Indian Embassy. Local hospitality, e.g. boarding/lodging in State guest houses or budget hotels will be provided. Cost of internal travel as per the programme will be borne by the Organisers.

How to apply

Please go to the website of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (www.moia.gov.in). Read the guidelines carefully. Please make sure that you fulfil the criteria laid down for selection to the programme. Download the form (http://moia.gov.in/writereaddata/pdf/Application_Form.pdf), fill the form and submit along with your recent photo. Don’t forget to state in not more than 250 words why you wish to take part in the Know India Programme. Please send the filled-in forms to the Indian Embassy in Manila by the deadline mentioned for the particular Programme.

The envelope, clearly marked “Application for Know India Programme 2012”, should be addressed to :

Mr. Gyan Singh,
First Secretary [Press, Information, Cultrue & Education]
Embassy of India,
2190 Paraiso Street, Dasmarinas Vilage,
Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines,
Telefax : 8173665
Email: info@embindia.org.ph

The Embassy would intimate you once you are selected for the Programme.